How Long to Boil Eggs: A Simple Guide to Perfect Eggs Every Time

Boiling eggs seems like a simple task, but achieving the perfect boil â€“ whether you prefer them soft, medium, or hard-boiled â€“ can be a bit tricky. The timing is everything! In this post, we'll walk you through the ideal cooking times for different types of boiled eggs and offer some helpful tips for making sure they come out just right.

1. Soft-Boiled Eggs (Runny Yolk)

If you love eggs with a runny yolk and a tender white, soft-boiled eggs are for you. Achieving the perfect soft-boil requires precise timing.

How to make soft-boiled eggs:

Place your eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water, ensuring the eggs are fully submerged.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and start your timer.
Boil for 4 to 5 minutes for a soft, runny yolk.
Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath or run them under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Tips for perfect soft-boiled eggs:

Use room temperature eggs for the best results. Cold eggs straight from the fridge may take longer to cook.

Be cautious with the simmering process â€“ too much heat can cause the whites to become tough.

2. Medium-Boiled Eggs (Slightly Soft Yolk)

Medium-boiled eggs are a good balance between the soft and hard-boiled versions. The yolk is set but still creamy, making them a great addition to salads, sandwiches, or eaten on their own.

How to make medium-boiled eggs:

Follow the same steps as for soft-boiled eggs, but this time, simmer for 6 to 7 minutes once the water is boiling.

Transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool quickly.

Tips for medium-boiled eggs:

The 6-7 minute mark is key for that perfectly creamy yolk, so don't overcook them. If you're unsure, it's better to err on the side of slightly undercooking â€“ you can always cook them a little more next time.

3. Hard-Boiled Eggs (Firm Yolk)

Hard-boiled eggs are a breakfast staple and a perfect snack. They're fully cooked, with the yolk solid and crumbly. Hard-boiled eggs are also the go-to for deviled eggs, potato salads, or just snacking with a sprinkle of salt.

How to make hard-boiled eggs:

Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water, just as before.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 9 to 12 minutes.
For fully set yolks, aim for the upper end of the time range. The longer you cook them, the firmer the yolk.
After cooking, immediately place the eggs in an ice bath to cool.

Tips for hard-boiled eggs:

For easy peeling, try using older eggs rather than fresh ones.

Don't skip the ice bath or cold water rinse. It helps stop the cooking process and makes peeling easier.

If you prefer your yolk to be extra firm, you can leave them in the hot water for an additional minute or two.

General Tips for Boiling Eggs:

Size matters: Larger eggs may need slightly more time than smaller eggs. If you're boiling extra-large or jumbo eggs, add an additional 1-2 minutes to the time.

Start with cold water: Place eggs in cold water before bringing it to a boil. This helps prevent cracking and ensures even cooking.

Don't overcrowd: Make sure the eggs have enough room to move around the pot. Overcrowding may result in uneven cooking.

Test for doneness: If you're unsure whether your eggs are done, you can always crack one open and see if the yolk is cooked to your liking.

Conclusion

Boiling eggs is an easy process, but getting them just right takes a bit of attention. Whether you prefer a soft, medium, or hard yolk, knowing the right boiling time can make all the difference. With these guidelines and tips, you'll be able to boil eggs to perfection every time!